During the years covered by these three record books, the Naturalization procedure began with the filing of a declaration of intention, and then within a period of two to seven years, the applicant could petition the court for citizenship if they had resided in the United States for at least five years. The petition then became the subject of an investigation and hearing before a judge. The judge could order a continuance of the investigation, deny the petition, or if found favorable, the applicant would take an oath of allegiance to the U.S. Constitution and laws and renounce all foreign allegiances.

After 1918, if an applicant served in the Armed Forces for 3 or more years, he did not need the 5-year residency, nor did he need to file a declaration of intention.

Before 1922, married women automatically became U.S. citizens. After 1922, a married woman had to file separately, but did not need to file a declaration of intention, and the period of residence was reduced to one year.

The Immigration Act of 1924 enacted quota restrictions, and was not revised until 1952.